Excellent.
8 / 106 Mar 2005
This is Japanese comedy at its best. Perfectly timed, nothing is wasted, brilliant casting.
Original member Member since November 2003
| Joined | 9 Nov 2003 |
|---|---|
| Forum posts | 14 · 2003–2004 |
| Last post | 6 Feb 2004 |
| Most active in | General Discussion |
6 Mar 2005
This is Japanese comedy at its best. Perfectly timed, nothing is wasted, brilliant casting.
25 Feb 2005
It it such a shame that this drama is not more widely recognised. Yes, it has a predictable storyline, but that isn't an issue here because whoever the casting director was - he/she did an excellent job. The real shine of this drama has to be the intimate relationship that the audience shares with each and every one of the characters. You care that Ako is blind and this fake Reiji is trying to con her of her fortune. You care that Reiji is really the most entrapped man alive, and that Naru is... is... simply indescribable. (I must say, Naru is perhaps the most alluringly beautiful character I have ever come across - I love him and consequently have developed an admiration for Fujiwara Tetsuya.) You really care - and that's exactly what great dramas aim to do - make you care.
13 Feb 2005
Decided to watch this drama because of the conflicting reviews people were giving and see for myself just how good or bad it is. Have only watched the first episode and am halfway thru the second and so far - it's not too bad. Obviously, being a "sequel", there's bound to be comparison with the first Gokusen, but I don't think it's quite fair to put this drama down just because it doesn't live up to your expectation of being "just like the first one - only more". This drama deserves to be reviewed on it's own, so stop sulking over the fact that Jin or Kame isn't the next Sawada Shin, and take notice of just how well they are playing their own characters. Remember, this is Gokusen 2, albeit a few familiar faces, this has nothing to do with Gokusen 1.
8 May 2004
I am stunned by Suzuki An's performance - to be able to see her bring out the character of Chie phase by phase made this dorama well worthwhile. I must say, not being a Yamapi fan much, I really did love the character of KenKen very much. Narimiya and Oguri made me crack up so many times and Nino's funny faces were too adorable! But sometimes, in the close-ups... whoa, some of these expressions were pretty scary!
Some one had previously commented that the drama was very "American Pie"-ish and I guess it is to a certain degree, but undercutting the apparent plot of 4 good friends working very hard to lose their virginity by the end of summer and meeting with a lot of bad luck, there is a theme of friendship and growth in this drama. You will see the boys transform in men, is not physically, then emotionally and mentally - which they find out is much more important.There are some quite suggestive scenes in this drama and if you are bothered by nudity and sexual references, then, I guess it would be better if you stayed away from this drama. But if you can handle it, then I must recommend "Stand UP!!" to you! And excellent plot with a very positive message, it will make you feel all fuzzy and warm-hearted. ^^
4 Apr 2004
When I first heard of the drama, I thought it must have been the most hentai dorama plot ever. I STILL think it's the silliest thing I have ever watched, but I now love it to bits! I must say, the drama really grows on you, although I have never been a fan of Koyuki, her character, Sumire, will leave a big impact on you.
Kimi wa Petto is a story of how a woman learns that one must allow herself to exhibit her true self before love can find them. It is inspirational and moving, and even though I didn't cry thru this like other carthartic doramas, it always kept me on the verge of tears.
The casting is excellent. Koyuki was charming, and I must say, she is indeed an excellent actress. Jun was very winning as Momo, he really did look like a dog so much when he was lying on the floor and wagging his limbs in the air! He is just too adorable! I challenge everyone to watch this and not fall in love with Matsumoto Jun! Quite a lot of people commented on his dancing, but frankly, I don't think I saw enough of it to convince me he was truely passionate about his dancing.
And the CHEMISTRY! Wah, you'll find yourself pining for the moment when Sumire and Momo get together for the whole length of the drama! Yes! It really gets you THAT involved! So those of you who are thinking you're going to give this drama a pass because it sounds so stupid. DON'T! It is truly an excellent drama, and I assure you, you will be pleasantly surprised.
16 Dec 2003
I don't understand, if one can get so worked up over a drama, then it must have been pretty damn engaging, ne? So to the person who gave this drama a 1: are you really reflecting upon the quality of this drama or are you being biased by your dissatisfaction of the ending? I do believe that if you hadn't enjoyed the drama one little bit, you would not have bothered to write a long long essay review for it.
Personally, I thought that this drama was excellent. The acting exhibited by Tsu, Ryo and Rina was all A-class standard. I do agree that in Ryo's character in Motokare is a big leap from the "sweetie girl-next-door" stereotypes that she normally plays, but as always, Ryo's superb performance pulls her thru and she is utterly convincing as the independent and work-orientated Makoto.
I don't think anyone could have played the part of Toji better than Tsu. Toji's indecisiveness and hesitancy seems to come so naturally to him. Even tho, at times (esp the scene where Makoto sacrificed her self-respect and ran to ask Toji if he still liked her a 2nd time), Toji aggravated me to the point when I felt like reaching into the TV slapping him awake it made the ending all the more enjoyable for me when he finally decided to voice his true feelings.
I must admit that at the beginning, I did feel sorry for Nao having Makoto deliberately trying to get between her and Toji, but as the dorama progressed, Rina's character lost all her independance and began to cling onto Toji like he was tje only thing that existed in her world. The line "Perhaps one day you will learn to love me" was the last push I needed to completely detach my sympathy for Nao. I could not help but hoped that Nao could have saved herself some self-respect and walked away sooner from the man that no longer loved her with a little more dignity.
The plot is not complicated. Makoto and Toji dated for 6 months in Uni but broke up suddenly and lost all contact until 2 years later when Makoto is hired by Toji's company to be the publicity agent. Toji and Makoto meet again but Toji already has a new girlfriend, Nao. Makoto's appearance causes huge commotions to Toji and Nao's relationship which leads Toji to question himself whether he is really over Makoto or not. Nao, after finding out that Toji's heart lies with another girl is extremely upset and Toji feels that since he is responsible for Nao's discontent, he is now obliged to be with her. On the other hand, Makoto has experienced some setbacks in work and her only choice is to move away from Tokyo and seek work elsewhere. Resigned to the fact that Toji is now Nao's, Makoto forces herself to suppress her feelings and forget about Toji.... Will this be another re-enactment of 2 years ago?
A rollercoaster ride of emotions, this drama was a pleasure to watch.
8 Nov 2003
This drama is definately a must see! Koichi was brilliant as the stoney Himuro-keji. Not being a big fan of Kinki Kids or FukaKyon, initially, I had my doubts about this drama. But my friend was persistent and kept insisting that it was an A-list drama, so I decided to give it a go. Once I slipped the tape into the VCR, I was hooked. The first mystery was a winner. The storyline was fresh and pierro costumes were so scary! Wah, I nearly jumped out of my seat when I saw those white sheets move behind Fukada!
The rest of the cases were just as intellectual and I thoroughly enjoyed each one! As I kept watching, I found myself being very drawn by Koichi's character, Himuro. (Koichi looks very good in tan doesn't he?! Hehe~) Perhaps the only complaint I have about this drama was how Fukada wouldn't stop nagging throughout the whole drama about how she didn't want to die and how she was getting married soon. Argh! Get a grip! But as the drama progressed, either Kurumi got braver, or I got used to her ranting.
Over all, this was definately one of the most enjoyable and interesting dramas I have seen; up there with my favourites like Long Vacation. Anyone up for a mild, light-hearted police drama?! "Remooto" is the one to pick!